June 14-23:
77th Hampton County Watermelon Festival! Hampton County is the home of the world’s original Watermelon Festival. Since 1939, the Hampton County Watermelon Festival has grown to become South Carolina’s oldest continuing festival. From the beginning, it has been a celebration of, for, and by the people of this friendly Lowcountry County, timed to the melon harvest every summer. The tradition was interrupted only twice, first during World War II (1943—45) and again during the Korean War (1951).
Opening Ceremony, Friday, June 14th, 5-7 p.m. Courthouse.
Movie Night “Lion King”, Saturday, June 15th, beginning at dusk, Lake Warren State Park.
Youth Parade, Monday, June 17th, 7 p.m. Downtown Varnville.
Children’s Day, Tuesday, June 18th, 10 a.m. Location TBA.
Taste of Hampton County, Tuesday, June 18th, 7 p.m. Wade Hampton High School Cafeteria, Varnville.
Fishing Contest, Wednesday, June 19th, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Warren State Park.
Battle of the Towns, Thursday, June 20th, 7 p.m. Wade Hampton High School, Varnville.
Street Dance, Friday June 21st, 9 p.m.-Midnight, Lee Ave. Downtown Hampton.
Watermelon Festival Parade, Saturday, June 22nd, 10 a.m. Hwy. 278 Hampton to Varnville.
Festival Mud Run, Sunday, June 23rd, Gates open at 10 a.m., Racing Begins at 1 p.m. Yemassee Mud Pit, 27890 Pocotaligo Rd., Yemassee. For more information www.hcmelonfest.org.